I’m yet to understand why ED raided my brother-in-law: Satish Jarkiholi

Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi has said that he is yet to understand the reason for the raid on his brother-in-law and Additional Excise Commissioner Y. Manjunath by the Enforcement Directorate.

Speaking to presspersons in Belagavi on Friday, Mr. Jarkiholi said that as Manjunath is an employee of the State government, the Lokayukta could have inquired into the charge of corruption.

The Minister said that Manjunath will have to face inquiry and the charge levelled against him legally.

Previously, the Lokayukta had registered FIR against Manjunath for corruption. However, the High Court of Karnataka cancelled the FIR, he said.

Mr. Jarkiholi said that it is for the first time such a big raid by ED has been carried out on a State government employee.

“I cannot now say that this raid is politically motivated. Whether the raid has been carried out on the Jarkiholi family or for other reasons, will be known in a couple of months,” he said.

Mr. Jarkiholi also said that such raids will happen as elections approach. Most Congress leaders fear of being subjected to such raids ahead of elections, he added.